Boys grow into men as Sudbury coach praises youngsters

A boys to men transition has been praised by Sudbury Rugby Club’s Graham Richards.

Despite the head coach saying his side would struggle in physical battles on boggy pitches, Suds ground out a 12-3 win in heavy conditions at Old Brentwoods.

It moved them to within four points of second place and left Richards delighted with their development.

“We are playing with a very young side which could be intimidated, but we have started to stand our corner,” he said ahead of a break this weekend before hosting Beccles next Saturday (3pm). “I have been really pleased with the last two weeks.

“The youngsters are doing really well and are really rallying around John Coone and Ollie Morgan, who have both been outstanding.”

Meanwhile, after a difference in opinion between the two, Richards admitted there is no official link-up between Sudbury and Culford School, despite a previous report in the Free Press.

“Sudbury Rugby Club has the same association and connection with Culford School as we have with any other school in the area — if anyone outside wants to come and play for us they are welcome with open arms,” he said. “As the director of rugby, I am sorry for any confusion caused.”